Ikebana Masterclass: Japanese Flower Arrangement

What you'll learn

Explore the art of Ikebana in Sydney. A serene and elegant Japanese flower arranging workshop. Part of our floristry short courses in Sydney!

Experience the timeless beauty of Ikebana, the traditional Japanese flower arranging art, in this hands-on, 5-hour workshop. Led by one of Australia’s most experienced and certified Ohara School Ikebana instructors, this immersive class blends mindfulness with creativity, offering a unique opportunity to slow down and reconnect with nature.

Whether you're a floristry enthusiast or looking for a peaceful, creative outlet, this Ikebana class will introduce you to the elegant principles of Ohara-style Ikebana a refined form that highlights seasonal materials, natural growth patterns, and harmony between floral elements and their surroundings.

Through live demonstrations and guided practice, you’ll create stunning, minimal arrangements while developing a deeper understanding of balance, line, and form. This is more than flower arranging, it’s a meditative, sculptural art form that encourages calm, focus, and appreciation for the beauty of nature.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• How to use your arrangements to enhance or blend into your homes and surroundings.
• Choose appropriate vessels and materials for different styles.
• Position and balance flowers to reflect their natural form and relationships.
• Apply Ikebana as a meditative, creative practice in your daily life.

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

• Apply the principles of Ohara-style Ikebana to create balanced, seasonal arrangements
• Use line, space, and flow to express harmony and natural beauty
• Select and prepare flowers, stems, and branches mindfully
• Trim and shape materials using traditional techniques, including branch bending
• Work with the Kenzan and choose the right vessel for each arrangement
• Identify focal points and create visual balance with minimal elements
• Blend Ikebana into your home as a form of mindfulness and aesthetic expression
• Maintain and care for your arrangements to prolong their freshness

Course materials

What we provide

• A container for your flowers, leaves and branches
• A Kenzan (the base for your arrangement)
• Seasonal flowers, stems, and branches tailored to the time of year.
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.

What to bring to class

• Tablet OR Pen and notepad for taking notes
• Secateurs to cut branches
• A small towel and a bucket
• Please wear closed-in shoes
• You may like to wear an apron

Course venue

Rozelle Campus

2A Gordon Street, Rozelle NSW 2039 (corner of Gordon St & Victoria Rd on the grounds of St. Joseph's Church)